AftercareA that my family experienced or that they would have otherwise experienced if not for this global pandemic. Text messaging has emerged as the perfect medium through which to conduct an aftercare program during COVID-19. The personal nature of text messages combined with its 98% open rate, ensures that families are seeing the messages of support and comfort from funeral homes during a time of social isolation. One example: our Domanicare aftercare messages regularly see a 51% response rate. That number has increased in recent weeks as we are seeing more families looking for someone to talk to and express their feelings during this uniquely trying time. Funeral service as a category has remained mostly unchanged for decades. It has been driven by relationships and connections, with those relationships and connections happening mainly in person. With gatherings limited and many of the core tenants of funeral service disrupted, funeral homes must look for ways to provide value outside of the funeral home walls. For example, 40% of consumers expect live streaming of services will and should be available permanently. Interestingly, only 21% are willing to pay for that additional service. More people also express that the importance of attending a funeral in person has decreased. I believe in funeral service, and I know that we will rally together for the benefit of the families we serve and the profession as a whole. These are truly unprecedented times, but as funeral homes look to meet the needs of the families they serve, opportunities will arise to provide more value and more meaningful connection, which, in the end, is what is best for everyone. ADOBE STOCK Jon Lefrandt is the CEO and co-founder of Domanicare, one of OGR’s Endorsed Suppliers and an innovative and awardwinning text-messaging based aftercare program. Jon created Domanicare after experiencing crippling grief first-hand. After that experience, he decided to do something about the gap that has existed between funeral homes and aftercare families for years. To connect with Jon, call him at 801-615-5039 or email him at jon@thedomanigroup.com. www.ogr.org | The Independent® 27
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